incongruous

[in-kong-groo-uhs] / ɪnˈkɒŋ gru əs /

ADJECTIVE

out of place; absurd

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bizarre contradictory inappropriate incoherent incompatible

WEAK

alien conflicting disconsonant discordant disparate distorted divergent extraneous fantastic fitful foreign illogical improper inapropos inapt incongruent inconsistent irreconcilable irregular jumbled lopsided mismatched out of keeping rambling shifting twisted unavailing unbalanced unbecoming unconnected uncoordinated uneven unintelligible unpredictable unrelated unsuitable unsuited

Antonyms

WEAK

compatible congruous consistent corresponding fitting harmonious matched suitable uniform

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The incongruous editing is akin to zoning out while your buddy is talking, coming-to halfway through their thought and playing along like you understood where it was heading the entire time.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2026

Along steep and narrow trails, a few rustic taverns for wine guzzling seem incongruous in the midst of all of the ruggedness.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Its pale blue packaging features snowy landscapes, which appear incongruous compared to the jungle surrounding the building.

From Barron's • Feb. 18, 2026

They called the place La Ciénega, a corruption of an Indigenous word and an incongruous name — the swamp — in a desert wasteland.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

It would have been an even more incongruous possession than the glass paperweight, and impossible to carry home, unless it were taken out of its frame.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Vocabulary lists containing incongruous

Grade 10, List 2

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Brave New World

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This Week in Words: September 29 - October 5, 2018

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